At the entrance of the film crew, various small reporters were already loitering, waiting to catch any news. With a dark expression, Dai Jue was being lifted off the stretcher, and it was impossible to suppress the news any longer. The entire crew was thrown into chaos, today’s shoot was thoroughly derailed. After confirming that Baili Xiao and Shen Yuan were unhurt, Director Luo Wei began to question the props team, while the heads of the props team rushed off to investigate where the malfunction had occurred. Baili Xiao and the others waited in place for a while, feeling it was futile. After comforting Shen Yuan a bit, Baili Xiao decided to return to the dormitory with Mike.

As soon as they got back to the dorm, Mike pulled out his phone and started scrolling through Weibo. He spoke darkly, “Dai Jue is really a scumbag. Shen Yuan is a girl—forget that she’s the top star of Huanyu, even if she were just a small celebrity, if she really got hurt…” He paused suddenly, then closed his eyes tightly, his eyelids reddening slightly.

Baili Xiao didn’t say anything. He had heard that Shen Yuan had a similar experience to his when she first joined Huanyu; she had great luck, landing a good script right away and quickly rising to fame with her genuine effort. It was Mike who had recommended her, promoting her from among a hundred trainees, and although he couldn’t mentor her later due to Dai Jue, she had always been Mike’s person in his heart.

Mike had never shown such vulnerability in front of Baili Xiao before, leaving him unsure of how to respond. He was never good at comforting others, so after a moment of silence, he patted Mike’s shoulder and tried to adopt a more relaxed tone, saying, “Don’t overthink it. Didn’t I tell you? I read the stars last night, and moving can ward off misfortune. Look, I wasn’t lying. Shen Yuan and I are destined to be safe.”

Mike nodded absently, then rubbed his face vigorously, his tone gradually returning to normal. “Yeah, you’re a late-stage weeb, but you’ve got some skills. You really are Baili the Master.”

“…” Now it was Baili Xiao’s turn to be speechless.

“You know, Xiao, even though I’m not much older than you and haven’t been your manager for long, we really click. Shen Yuan is the same, she was the one I introduced to the industry. You and her are like my son and daughter. After that fall, I felt lucky. Otherwise, I would have lost both my kids in an instant.”

“……” Baili Xiao was stunned for a long moment before he finally reacted. He slowly said, “Actually… I can understand your excitement and fear right now, and I believe Shen Yuan and I are both important to you. But… you could express it differently. Like saying Shen Yuan and I are your younger siblings. When you say we’re like your children… it really doesn’t sound good.”

Mike looked up at the awkwardly serious Baili Xiao for a few seconds, then burst out laughing. The tension and anxiety from earlier evaporated in an instant. It was the first time Baili Xiao had spoken to him in such a relaxed, non-arrogant way, which made Mike feel like they were on a different level of camaraderie.

Regaining his composure, Mike returned to his professional demeanor and opened the Weibo app, which he had previously closed. “From now on, our team needs to monitor public sentiment 24/7. Xiao, I might owe you and Shen Yuan an apology for this incident. Dai Jue hasn’t completely burned his bridges yet, and from the company’s perspective, we can’t damage the public image of contracted artists by tearing up our contracts ourselves. So, the company might not help you fight this battle.”

Baili Xiao nodded, already aware of this layer of the situation. “I understand. But this time, Dai Jue has no reason to bite back. Even in terms of fanbase, I don’t think Shen Yuan would be any worse off than him.”

“Exactly. Overall, I think we don’t need to worry too much; just keep a close eye on things,” Mike replied, trying to maintain a level head.

Baili Xiao casually nodded, though his mind was racing. He was considering who was backing Dai Jue. Not long ago, Dai Jue had hired a paparazzo to hint at him being overshadowed by newcomers on Weibo, and then quietly severed that gossip. It didn’t seem like something someone with Dai Jue’s emotional intelligence could orchestrate. If Dai Jue had powerful backing, they would likely want to intervene and help him suppress the incident before it escalated.

For Dai Jue, the biggest stroke of luck was that all three parties involved were from the same company. Even if Shen Yuan was furious, the company would persuade her to let it go.

However, there was still the question of whether Dai Jue’s backer could intervene in time to prevent Dai Jue from making any more foolish moves.

Baili Xiao was lost in thought when he suddenly heard Mike sneer, “I’ve said it all along, he’s going to die from his own impulsiveness and temper.”

“Dai Jue posted on Weibo?” Baili Xiao asked, intrigued.

Mike nodded, his expression darkening. “What ‘Universal First Brother’? Some people get a little fame over the last two years and start to float on air, thinking they’ve hit the jackpot with a good script. If it weren’t for me and my team working tirelessly, he wouldn’t even have made it this far. Now he has the audacity to tell me he doesn’t need my team? Ha! Look at him now—without my team, he’s just making stupid decisions!” He handed his phone to Baili Xiao, his anger palpable.

Baili Xiao took the phone and saw that Dai Jue, in a fit of impulsiveness, had posted on Weibo without any context. He had taken a photo of himself on a stretcher in the hospital, his leg visibly injured, with the caption reading, “Has-been artist.”

Even though he was mentally prepared for Dai Jue’s stupidity, Baili Xiao couldn’t help but stare in disbelief. Was this guy genuinely looking for trouble? He clicked on the comments section, and it was clear that the post had just gone live two minutes prior; there were only about two hundred comments, with bewildered fans wildly speculating about what had happened.

— “What the hell! What happened to Dai? What does ‘has-been artist’ mean? Who bullied you! [angry]”

— “Is he okay? That looks serious; it doesn’t seem like a minor injury. Is there an official statement? I’m so worried…”

Baili Xiao couldn’t help but shake his head at the chaotic scene unfolding online. It seemed that Dai Jue had truly lost the plot this time. This could escalate quickly, and he knew the media would have a field day. The consequences of Dai Jue’s actions were about to unfold in ways they hadn’t anticipated.

“Mike,” he said, his tone becoming serious, “we need to act fast. Let’s prepare a statement to clarify the situation before it spirals out of control.”

Mike nodded, his earlier tension returning as he quickly began typing out a response. “Got it. I’ll handle the PR team and get something out there to manage the narrative. We can’t let this turn into a circus.”

As they worked together, both men knew that the storm had only just begun.

Baili Xiao scrolled down the comments section for a couple of swipes, noticing that the tone remained overwhelmingly concerned. Just as he was about to check out the trending topics, his phone suddenly rang. The caller ID showed it was Shen Yuan.

Mike exchanged a knowing glance with Baili Xiao and pressed the speakerphone button. “Shen Yuan, how are you feeling?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.

“Mike…”

Shen Yuan’s tone was clearly off, prompting both men to exchange a worried look. Noticing that Mike was at a loss for words, Baili Xiao decided to step in. Understanding Mike’s position, he spoke with his usual calmness but infused it with a touch of reassurance: “Ms. Yuan, it’s Xiao. I’m here with Mike. We’ve seen Dai Jue’s post, so please don’t act impulsively. There will be an explanation for this. Those who do wrong will eventually face the consequences. Trust me.”

For some reason, Baili Xiao’s caring voice, which contrasted with his usual polite yet somewhat distant demeanor, made Shen Yuan’s eyes well up with tears. After a few seconds of silence, she seemed to gather her thoughts and decisively said, “Mike, I want to take action against him. I’m letting you know beforehand. I won’t let this go unpunished. There are plenty of talented male artists in Universal. Dai Jue only rose to prominence by chance, and now that he’s done something like this, I want the company to give me an explanation.”

Mike was momentarily taken aback by her resolve. He had seen this determined side of her before, Shen Yuan was someone who stood her ground. After debuting for several years, she had built her reputation on being beautiful, hardworking, and well-liked, and now she had the confidence to demand respect. However, as much as he empathized with Baili Xiao and Shen Yuan, he was reminded of the professional divide between agents and their artists.

“Shen Yuan, I understand your feelings,” Mike began cautiously, trying to keep his voice steady. “But we need to consider the bigger picture here. We’re in a company, and while I completely understand your anger, taking rash actions could backfire on you. Let’s think this through.”

Shen Yuan huffed in frustration. “Mike, I’m not going to sit by and let him get away with this! He hurt me and put us all at risk. I’ll make sure the company knows that I won’t tolerate this kind of behavior from him or anyone else.”

Baili Xiao could sense the tension in the air. “Sister Yuan, I believe your anger is justified. However, let’s approach this strategically. We need to ensure that we can turn this situation to our advantage rather than letting it escalate into a full-blown conflict. If we act too hastily, we might end up regretting it later.”

After a moment of hesitation, Shen Yuan sighed. “Okay, but I’m not backing down. I want to discuss this with the higher-ups. They need to know how serious this is.”

Mike nodded, relieved to hear her agree to a more measured approach. “That’s reasonable. I’ll arrange a meeting with the company’s management, and we can present your concerns. I promise to advocate for you, but we must be careful about how we frame this.”

Baili Xiao chimed in, “And we’ll make sure to highlight the importance of your safety and professional reputation in our discussions.”

“Fine,” Shen Yuan said, her voice steadying. “I’ll trust you both. But I expect results.”

As they wrapped up the call, Baili Xiao exchanged a glance with Mike, both understanding the challenges ahead. This was just the beginning, and the stakes were higher than ever.

Just as Mike was left speechless, unsure of whether to intervene or not, there was a sudden knock at the door. Baili Xiao stood up to answer it, and when he opened the door, he was surprised to see Yu Jinghao dressed in a sharp black suit.

Both he and Mike were momentarily stunned. Before they could react, Shen Yuan’s voice broke in through the phone, resolute and firm. “I know the company’s legal department will consider the potential lawsuits and penalties for damaging Dai Jue’s image, but I believe my profitability can cover those costs. This situation has already happened, and I want to see whether the company will protect me or him.”

Mike hadn’t even had a chance to respond when Yu Jinghao strode into the room and closed the door firmly behind him. His gaze was sharp, and an undercurrent of cold anger tinged his voice. “Shen Yuan, the company is here to protect you. You can hang up now.”

The room fell into an eerie silence. Mike stared in shock at the unexpected arrival, and for a few seconds, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. It was Shen Yuan who broke the silence from the other end of the line. “President Yu?”

“It’s me,” Yu Jinghao replied, his presence commanding as he stepped closer to Baili Xiao, his eyes scanning him critically as if assessing his worth. It felt as if he was trying to undress Baili Xiao with his gaze.

Sensing the shift in energy and wanting to diffuse the situation, Shen Yuan quickly interjected, “Hello, President! Goodbye, President!” and promptly hung up, her instincts kicking in.

Yu Jinghao tossed his car keys to Mike, giving him a sidelong glance. “This situation is unique. I’m not considering any artist contracts for the time being. I need you to issue a statement immediately. Two conditions: the wording must be objective, and it should reflect the facts.”

Mike nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. “Understood, President Yu. We’ll get right on it.”

“Good.” Yu Jinghao’s demeanor was businesslike, but there was an intensity in his eyes that hinted at deeper stakes. “This is not just about reputations. We need to make sure that what happened is presented clearly, and that we support those who are actually deserving.”

Baili Xiao felt a mix of respect and apprehension towards Yu Jinghao’s authoritative stance. The dynamics had shifted dramatically, and he understood the importance of this moment. “I’ll help with the statement, Mike. We can draft something that reflects both the urgency of the situation and the truth.”

“Right,” Mike agreed, quickly moving to gather his notes and prepare. The tension in the room was palpable, but with Yu Jinghao’s leadership, they felt a renewed sense of purpose. This would be a turning point, not just for Shen Yuan but for everyone involved.

Yu Jinghao’s expression softened just slightly as he glanced at Baili Xiao. “And you, Xiao, keep your head cool. There’s no need to let emotions cloud judgment. We’ll navigate this together.”

“Understood,” Baili Xiao replied, feeling a surge of determination. They had a plan now, and as they set to work, the atmosphere in the room shifted from uncertainty to a sense of collaboration and resolve. This was just the beginning, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Mike suddenly sprang up from the couch, standing at attention. “Yes.”

“Good. I need to discuss some matters with Xiao. You can step out for a moment and have someone park my car,” Yu Jinghao instructed.

“Yes,” Mike replied obediently, turning to leave the room, his demeanor serious as he closed the door behind him with precision.

Once the door clicked shut, Baili Xiao looked at Yu Jinghao, perplexed. “What brings you here? Didn’t you say you had a meeting today?”

Yu Jinghao’s gaze was complex as he regarded Baili Xiao, taking his time before responding. He scrutinized him from head to toe, confirming that he was alive and well, and only then did he relax slightly, loosening his tie before plopping down in front of him. He let out a sigh. “You scared me. I was in a meeting when I heard that my ally had an accident while filming. It nearly knocked the wind out of me, I thought I might end up like Deng Zhirui.”

Baili Xiao couldn’t help but chuckle, teasing, “You adapted to your role pretty quickly.”

“Of course! As your one and only celestial companion in this life and the last, I have to keep up with your pace,” Yu Jinghao replied with a smirk, but then he turned serious again. He placed his hands firmly on Baili Xiao’s shoulders, locking eyes with him for a few seconds before exhaling heavily. “I’m so relieved you’re okay. I was really worried.”

“Yeah.” Feeling the weight of the moment, Baili Xiao decided against making light of it. “Honestly, it’s not uncommon to have accidents on set. But, you know, I’m not like an ordinary person; I can protect myself, so I usually don’t get hurt.”

Yu Jinghao’s expression hardened. “I don’t care about odds, I only fear the unexpected.” He looked at Baili Xiao intently. “You don’t need to worry. I will definitely give you a satisfactory explanation for this incident.” He quickly re-tied his tie, standing up. “I can’t stay alone with you for too long—there are too many eyes around in the crew. I also need to check on Shen Yuan. You should rest well.”

“Uh… okay.” Baili Xiao nodded, watching Yu Jinghao leave with the same fervor he had entered with. The room was quiet again, but the atmosphere felt charged with unspoken determination.

Baili Xiao couldn’t shake the feeling that the events unfolding around them were only the beginning. With Yu Jinghao’s commitment and the gravity of the situation, he knew they were all standing on the brink of something significant, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Baili Xiao hadn’t expected Yu Jinghao to take a definitive stance in this matter. Although they had formed a solid alliance, he believed that even if Dai Jue caused a ruckus, both he and Shen Yuan would ultimately come out unscathed—it was just a matter of how and when they would retaliate. The company didn’t really need to push the issue aggressively.

However, seeing Yu Jinghao’s demeanor, Baili Xiao sensed that no one could stand in his way. Despite usually being removed from the day-to-day happenings of the crew, always occupying his high position without concerning himself with trivial matters, this time it was different. Even Mike could see that Yu Jinghao was genuinely furious.

The tension in the air was palpable. Baili Xiao leaned back in his chair, processing the implications of Yu Jinghao’s reaction. This wasn’t just about the accident anymore; it was about respect, power, and the fragile balance of their industry. The stakes had been raised, and there was no turning back now.

He couldn’t help but admire Yu Jinghao’s fierce loyalty and willingness to stand up for those in his circle. It reminded him that the alliances they formed weren’t just strategic but also personal. As the adrenaline from the day’s events began to settle, Baili Xiao felt a surge of determination within himself.

This was a pivotal moment—not just for Shen Yuan or for himself, but for their entire team. They would face whatever challenges lay ahead together, and he resolved to do everything in his power to protect what they had built. As he reflected on the bond forged in the heat of this chaos, he knew they were ready to confront Dai Jue and whatever consequences awaited them.

Baili Xiao couldn’t help but wish Yu Jinghao could be his manager. While Mike was wholeheartedly on his side, his authority was limited. Yu Jinghao was not only just and decisive but also a perfect candidate for a caretaker.

…

As chaos erupted in the film crew, Baili Xiao took a moment to consult his fortune. The Big Dipper’s alignment was favorable; there were no signs of disruption—indeed, since that night when Yu Jinghao’s and his fortunes became intertwined, his luck had soared and had yet to decline. With this in mind, the laid-back artist pulled the curtains shut and took advantage of the situation to catch up on the sleep he had lost the previous night.

Though the nap was brief, Baili Xiao found himself immersed in a long, vivid dream. He dreamed of his old cat, Little Black, as he took it to a large rock beneath a waterfall in Baili Valley. There, Little Black sprawled out, lazily grooming itself in the sun. Suddenly, a large koi fish leaped from the water and landed on the rock.

Enamored with koi, Baili Xiao planned to personally return the beautiful fish to the water, but out of nowhere, Little Black swiped at it with its claws, killing it instantly. Furious, Baili Xiao scolded his ungrateful cat for its lack of ambition. He held the koi in his hands, intending to give it a proper burial. However, when he returned to his place after changing clothes, he discovered the fish had vanished.

To his astonishment, a delicious aroma wafted through the air. Turning around, he found Yu Jinghao approaching with a plate of fragrant sweet-and-sour fish, a cheerful smile on his face. “Allied friend, come eat the koi!”

Being awakened from the dream in a fit of anger, Baili Xiao shot upright in bed, staring into the darkness for a solid half-minute before he gradually remembered where he was. The absurdity of the dream lingered in his mind, leaving him both bewildered and amused.

Shaking off the remnants of sleep, he reflected on the significance of his dreams and the intertwining of his fate with Yu Jinghao. Whatever challenges lay ahead, it seemed that he wasn’t alone in navigating them. With a wry smile, he prepared to face the day, knowing that allies were hard to come by but valuable beyond measure.

Then he couldn’t help but rub his temples, thinking that Yu Jinghao was indeed a supernatural being. Not only did he constantly seek to be present beside him every day, but he also had to come scare him in his dreams. Baili Xiao licked his dry lips and was about to get out of bed to pull open the curtains and grab a drink of water when his phone suddenly rang—it was a voice message from Yu Jinghao.

His voice sounded as relaxed and cheerful as ever, as if the frightening incident hadn’t happened at all.

—“Xiao, the problem has been resolved. Come find me, I brought a gift to celebrate your miraculous survival.”

Resolved?

Baili Xiao froze for a moment, then quickly opened Weibo. The moment he entered, he was bombarded by a flood of private messages and mentions. The KOLs he followed were all discussing the matter, and the topic tags were all a chorus of—#Would Dai Jue really become a washed-up artist?# (How about truly being a has-been artist, Dai Jue?).

Following the thread of retweets, he finally found the first person to clarify things after Dai Jue’s post today. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Shen Yuan or Mike’s team, it was Yu Jinghao—the aloof and mysterious CEO of the entertainment company who rarely posted on social media and had only about twenty thousand followers.

Yu Jinghao had retweeted Dai Jue’s “has-been artist” post, saying, “Since you insist, how could I refuse? Why not truly be a has-been artist?”

It was an explosive response.

The comments below were more dramatic than a yearly palace intrigue drama, with onlookers collectively shocked. What did this mean? An injured and aggrieved popular artist, and the elusive CEO had finally appeared on Weibo, not to offer comfort but to rain down negativity?

However, Yu Jinghao didn’t keep the onlookers waiting long. Five minutes after he retweeted, with Mike’s team managing the situation, Huanyu Entertainment officially released a clarifying video.

—This afternoon, the incident that occurred on set was indeed an accident caused by inadequate preparation of props and a failure to conduct the mandatory routine checks. However, because it was an accident, all the cameras were still diligently recording. Everything that happened that afternoon was captured from every angle, 360 degrees without dead spots.

Whether it was Dai Jue freezing up just as the incident unfolded or Baili Xiao rushing in to protect Shen Yuan, exposing her vulnerable back in the process—front view, side view, back view, even varying focal lengths—all were captured. There was enough footage to edit a one hundred and twenty-second movie trailer.

As he watched the video unfold, Baili Xiao felt a surge of mixed emotions. The chaos surrounding the incident now seemed to work in their favor, and with Yu Jinghao’s decisive actions, they had taken control of the narrative. It was a masterstroke that not only salvaged their image but also put pressure on Dai Jue, who had inadvertently dug his own grave.

Feeling a rush of gratitude and admiration for Yu Jinghao, Baili Xiao couldn’t help but smile, realizing just how fortunate he was to have such a strong ally by his side. With newfound resolve, he decided to meet Yu Jinghao and express his gratitude, ready to face whatever came next together.

If Dai Jue’s rise to fame carried the implication of sudden wealth, many of his fans merely inflated by the hype, then Shen Yuan represented a true, steady ascent, firmly occupying half of the entertainment industry’s territory.

The army of fans, initially ready to indulge in gossip, erupted in an instant. Dai Jue had just garnered over two thousand sympathetic comments of “poor you” and “there, there,” only to be bombarded with over ten thousand remarks like “Why didn’t you die from the fall?” and “You’re still a has-been.” Meanwhile, Yu Jinghao’s powerful retort, “Since you insist, how could I refuse?” went viral among netizens. This was precisely why the trending topic was # Would Dai Jue really become a washed-up artist?# (How about truly being a has-been artist, Dai Jue?).

Despite having anticipated a grand spectacle, Baili Xiao felt his heart skip a beat at the moment he saw Yu Jinghao’s post. With a slight stiffness, he clicked on Yu Jinghao’s Weibo profile and scrolled down. The CEO’s last post was from Christmas last year; the one before that was from New Year’s Eve the previous year, and before that, it was an auto-generated message from years ago when he first opened his account.

It seemed that out of the twenty thousand followers he once had, at least half were likely dead accounts bought as favors from the company. Now, however, Yu Jinghao’s follower count had surpassed one hundred thousand and was still climbing.

Baili Xiao couldn’t quite put into words the feelings churning within him. Although the online sentiment largely favored Shen Yuan, his instincts told him that the spark that ignited Yu Jinghao’s fierce response wasn’t solely about her.

It was about him.

He recalled the first time he met Yu Jinghao. Surrounded by the scent of tea and the mist of boiling water, he saw the noble man with a destiny intertwined with the stars, where the Red Luan star showed the first signs of stirring. As they grew closer, he noticed that each time, Yu Jinghao’s Red Luan star seemed increasingly chaotic, clearly indicating that he was deeply entangled in love, unable to extricate himself.

Baili Xiao understood now: the dynamics at play were far more complex than mere professional alliances. His presence had somehow sparked a reaction within Yu Jinghao, leading him to take a stand in such a public way. It was both reassuring and disconcerting to realize how interconnected their fates had become, intertwining personal feelings with professional obligations.

As he pondered this, he felt a mix of gratitude and confusion. Did he want to be the source of such turmoil for Yu Jinghao? Yet, as the online storm raged, he couldn’t deny the thrill that came with the unexpected support. The stakes were rising, and with it, the tension of their relationship deepened.

Deciding to take charge of his own narrative, Baili Xiao steeled himself. He would step out into the fray, not only for Shen Yuan and their shared struggle but also for Yu Jinghao—who had so fiercely defended him. It was time to confront the chaos head-on, to navigate the emotional and professional whirlwind together.

Previously, he could deliberately avoid overthinking things. To put it in this world’s terms, he had been playing the fool while secretly understanding everything—because he had never really calculated his romantic fate. Deep down, he always felt that his Red Luan star wouldn’t stir for at least another cosmic era. However, after hearing Yu Jinghao’s whispered words in the early hours of the morning, when he had held him close, he could no longer believe that Yu Jinghao was joking when he said he liked him.

Baili Xiao pondered the emotions stirring inside him, reflecting on his past, the night they shared their fates, and those tender words Yu Jinghao had whispered. He also recalled the moment he had seen Yu Jinghao take a stand for him online.

He couldn’t quite articulate it, but he sensed that Yu Jinghao was a bit of a contradiction: outwardly aloof and enigmatic, yet occasionally displaying moments of sheer unpredictability. Despite this, he found himself oddly drawn to him.

Rubbing his temples, which throbbed faintly, Baili Xiao felt as if everything had begun to spiral beyond his expectations since arriving in this world. Once the most detached from worldly affairs, he was now finding himself inexorably entangled in the complexities of human emotions.

Forcing himself to focus back on Weibo, he saw that Shen Yuan had shared the official clarification video but hadn’t directly condemned Dai Jue. Instead, she had tagged Baili Xiao, saying, “Thank you, Xiao, for saving me. Though we’ve known each other for a short time, true character shows in times of crisis.”

Shen Yuan’s words carried weight, and coupled with the video showcasing Baili Xiao’s gentlemanly demeanor and kindness, they had already moved countless viewers. The comment section was flooded with gratitude and well-wishes.

—“Thank you, Xiao, for saving our Shen Yuan! Both of you being fine is a testament to good people getting their due rewards.”

—“I don’t want to say much. I, Li Xiao, will be a fan for life, and I’ll get my girlfriends to support him too.”

—“Shen Yuan is safe; that’s wonderful. I’ve discovered another star worth liking—how great!”

Amidst the heartfelt thanks and emotional outpouring, Baili Xiao’s original fans were also active in the comments, but their tone was a bit peculiar. In the sea of gratitude and sentimentality, they wrote:

—“You mere mortals, come and pay homage to our Emperor!”

Baili Xiao couldn’t help but smile at the unexpected support and humor from his fans. It was as if their playful banter lightened the gravity of the situation. Yet, as he read through the comments, he felt an undeniable warmth swell within him, a mixture of pride and affection.

In this chaotic moment, where professional lines blurred with personal stakes, he recognized the potential for something beautiful emerging from the turmoil. Perhaps it was time to embrace the fire rather than shy away from it. With a newfound resolve, he decided to step forward, not just for Shen Yuan or the public’s perception but for himself and Yu Jinghao, who had unexpectedly become a pivotal part of his life.

As the digital storm continued to brew, Baili Xiao knew he would face whatever came next head-on, ready to navigate the intertwined paths of fate, friendship, and perhaps something deeper with Yu Jinghao.

——“When my Emperor makes a move, you’ll know if it’s effective.” 

——“That heavy chandelier post could be kicked over with one foot; even from so far away, you managed to snag someone. Impressive, our Emperor—turning into a thousand-year-old lucky koi!” 

——“Those who haven’t saved a photo of our Emperor as a wallpaper yet, what are you waiting for? It’ll surely bless you with passing grades on every exam, family health, and third parties disappearing!” 

… 

Baili Xiao felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. Mike always said he was a bit of a weeb, but now it seemed that it wasn’t him—it was his fans who were the real ones with the cringeworthy enthusiasm. 

The shame was off the charts. 

Initially planning to craft a thoughtful tweet, Baili Xiao completely gave up. With Huanyu completely distancing itself from Dai Jue, it was likely that the role in *Qing Ge Chang An* would be recast. Most of the footage already filmed would need to be redone. He figured it was best to stay out of the drama and focus on his work, continuing to shoot steadily. 

After scrolling through a barrage of Weibo posts, he had almost forgotten about the “celebration” gift Yu Jinghao mentioned for his surviving the ordeal. Just as he was about to toss his phone aside to take a shower, he noticed that Yu Jinghao had sent a photo without waiting for his reply. 

Curious, Baili Xiao tapped on the message. The Wi-Fi in the dormitory was a bit slow, and the little loading circle spun for several seconds before finally displaying the image. When it appeared, he froze in place, momentarily stunned. 

It was a photo taken by someone else—a casual shot at dusk of Yu Jinghao, still dressed in a black suit, holding a small black kitten in his hands. He smiled at the camera with an earnest expression, trying to appear friendly. 

The little black cat had exceptionally bright eyes, looking adorably bewildered at the lens. 

Yu Jinghao’s message read: “Couldn’t wait for you. Last night, you mumbled about missing your previous spirit cat, Little Black. I don’t know which ones are spirit cats, but this one is really cute, right?” 

Baili Xiao felt a surge of warmth and amusement at the image. It was heartwarming to see Yu Jinghao in a light-hearted moment, especially with a little creature so reminiscent of his own past pet. A smile crept onto his face, softening the tension he had been feeling since the incident. 

He quickly typed back, “He’s adorable! Thank you for thinking of me.” 

A thought crossed his mind as he hit send: Perhaps this unexpected connection with Yu Jinghao was something he should embrace rather than resist. 

Feeling a little lighter, he decided to finish up with his shower and get ready. Maybe it was time to open up a little and see where this new path could lead, even if it came with its own set of uncertainties. The idea of friendship, and perhaps more, with Yu Jinghao began to feel not only possible but also desirable.